“All Time Great Guy” Rowland “Mike Harris remembered by nephew

Cos Cob native Rowland “Mike” Harris, who passed away on Friday, July 25, is remembered by his nephew Griff Harris, president of the Griffith E Harris Insurance Services LLC.

Rowland “Mike” Harris, April 19, 1923 – July 25, 2014

“Sadly, my Uncle Mike passed away at the age of 91, on Friday. He was struggling with pneumonia ‎and a lung infection…Mike Harris was a legendary “All Time Great Guy” in our town and one of Greenwich’s finest citizens ‎and civic servants.

“His role as “Town Clerk” , Army Vet, Rotary, St Catherine usher, Hospital Volunteer, Meals on Wheels, Melody Men and Cos Cob Fire Police (just to name a few) was legendary.

“He was a special man and a legendary citizen whom grew up on and lived on Valleywood Road, Cos Cob his entire life. More importantly, Mike was famous for being “Kind” and “Off the Charts Friendly” with “everyone” he came across. I’ve never met anyone that was more courteous, gracious and friendly than my Uncle.”

Harris attended Cos Cob School and after graduating from Greenwich High School in 1940 he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the 96th Signal Battalion of the China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre of WWII. He later worked with his now late brother Griff Harris at the Griffith E. Harris Insurance Company.

Rowland “Mike” Harris, pictured far right in 2004, at the Terrace Club in Stamford as a Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association Honoree along with other honorees, from left to right, Joe Benvenuto, Harry Peden Jr., and Everett Fisher. Photo by Bob Luckey.

Harris was served as an usher for 60 years at his church, St. Catherine of Siena, served with the Cos Cob Police Auxiliary, the Retired Men’s Association, and as a Red Baron at Greenwich Hospital. His activities included the Republican Town Committee, the Harpoon Club, the Melody Men singing group, and the Glenville Seniors.